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What is CBD?

Perhaps you’ve seen CBD products lining the shelves at your favorite grocery stores and wellness spaces and wondered what it actually is. There are many misconceptions about what CBD is, and we’re here to give you all the details.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in the hemp plant. A phytocannabinoid, to be more specific. It is one of the most studied compounds found in hemp and has quickly gained popularity as an alternative approach to support everyday wellness. Emerging research supports the idea that CBD interacts with a biological network of cannabinoid receptors called the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to help the body maintain homeostasis (balance).
Some questions you may have about CBD may include:
  • 01
    Where does CBD come from?
  • 02
    Are CBD oil and hemp oil the same thing?
  • 03
    How does CBD work?
  • 04
    How is CBD Oil made?
  • 05
    How long have humans used CBD?
  • 06
    Does CBD get you high?
These are all valid questions. Let’s break it down.
Where does CBD come from?
  • Where Does CBD Come From?

    While CBD can be found in other plants, hemp is the plant with the highest concentration of CBD. And while tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can be found in very small amounts in hemp, legal hemp contains 0.3 percent THC or less - the limit by federal law. Hemp-derived, broad-spectrum CBD products contain potent minor cannabinoids, flavonoids, terpenes, and of course, CBD, but without the associated high caused by THC. CBD is a compound called a phytocannabinoid (phyto meaning “plant”). It exists alongside other phytocannabinoids like cannabinol (CBN) and cannabigerol (CBG).

  • Where Does CBD Come From?

    In total, over 100 different phytocannabinoids have been discovered in the cannabis plant. Phytocannabinoids are molecules that are synthesized by the hemp plant naturally. Remember the endocannabinoid system that we referenced earlier? Our bodies also naturally create endocannabinoids (endo meaning “within”) that are neurotransmitters that bind with the different cannabinoid receptors in the ECS. Phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoids work in a similar way which is why phytocannabinoids like CBD are quite useful.

What are the different types of phytocannabinoids?
The hemp plant, a variety of Cannabis sativa, contains over 100 different known types of phytocannabinoids. While we won’t dive into every single one of them, we want to share about the most common phytocannabinoids.
The most common types of phytocannabinoids include:
Cannabidiolic Acid (CBDA)
Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid (THCA)
Cannabigerolic Acid (CBGA)
Cannabinolic Acid (CBNA)
What’s with all of the A’s at the end of these usually recognizable names?
When they’re in this form, they are inactive ingredients. Compounds like CBD become what they are when they go through a process called decarboxylation to remove a carboxylic group of atoms. When these phytocannabinoids are in their inactive forms, they may still contain beneficial nutrients found in many raw plants, but they won’t have the same properties as their decarbed counterparts.
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Are CBD oil and hemp oil the same thing?
  • Is there a difference between CBD oil and hemp oil?

    Yes, there is! If you’re reading a label that says hemp oil, there’s a possibility that there’s no CBD in it at all. Hemp oil, also called hempseed oil, isn’t a bad thing. Hemp seeds can be cold-pressed into an omega-rich oil that’s great for a variety of uses, including cooking. But it’s not CBD oil. Hemp oil is derived from the hemp plant’s seeds, and while nutritious, typically doesn’t contain detectable levels of cannabidiol. On the other hand, CBD oil is derived from the flowers, stalks, and leaves of the hemp plant and is rich in a variety of different phytocannabinoids.

  • Is there a difference between CBD oil and hemp oil?

    CBD oil comes in various forms. You might see broad-spectrum, full-spectrum, and isolate products (only containing CBD without any additional hemp compounds). While each has its uses, here at HempFusion, we prize broad-spectrum CBD because it contains a wide range of beneficial compounds found in the hemp plant, while providing a product that has non-detectable levels of THC. HempFusion’s broad-spectrum CBD products are non-detectable for THC, when tested to 0.01%.

  • Is there a difference between CBD oil and hemp oil?

    HempFusion uses a superior, broad-spectrum CBD hemp extract containing minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids that work synergistically in the body. This is often referred to as the entourage effect. We’re redefining the industry standard on quality and transparency when producing the highest-quality, independent 3rd-party tested CBD products.

How does CBD work?
How Does CBD Work?

To understand how CBD works within the body, we first need to understand the endocannabinoid system and the cannabinoid receptors. When cannabinoid receptors, typically CB1 and CB2, interact with a cannabinoid like the body’s natural endocannabinoids or plant-based phytocannabinoids, they send messages throughout the cells’ tissues, organs, and systems of the body.

Imagine that these cannabinoid receptors are like locks within the body. Cannabinoids like CBD may act almost like a key. When they interact with the receptor, they may unlock the potential, the doorway, for potential benefits and support to help the body reach homeostasis.

How Does The Body Absorb CBD?

CBD can be absorbed into the bloodstream through a variety of different absorption methods that include:

  • Inhaling

    Another fast-acting method of getting CBD into the body

  • Under-the-tongue

    Holding a liquid or oil under the tongue where it can absorb more quickly into the bloodstream

  • Topically

    Applying CBD externally where it absorbs through the skin

  • Ingestion

    Swallowing and processing CBD through the digestive system

Once absorbed, the CBD molecule can interact with the endocannabinoid system and its many receptors throughout the entire body.

Two primary endocannabinoid receptors are CB1 and CB2:

The two primary endocannabinoid receptors are CB1 and CB2, with CB1 being most abundant in the central nervous system. CB2 receptors are plentiful in the peripheral nervous system, with a significant presence in the gut and immune system.

When the CBD molecules interact with the cannabinoid receptors, they send signals throughout the cells in the body that can affect surrounding tissue, the tissues within an organ, and throughout the body. Your body’s absorption of CBD is dependent on the bioavailability of the CBD you’re consuming. Different absorption methods offer different bioavailability levels - the amount of CBD that is actually available for the body to utilize.

How is CBD Oil made?

High quality CBD oil starts at the beginning: farming. You can’t make the oil without the highest quality hemp.

How is CBD Oil Made?

You know where CBD comes from. Now you want to understand how CBD oil is made. A variety of different extraction methods exist for creating CBD oil. Some are better than others. The process of making CBD oil can be laborious and the fruits of that labor are well worth it. You can use CBD oil in a variety of different ways, depending on your needs and preferences.

HempFusion utilizes only DNA-verified heirloom hemp to ensure that our never-isolated, broad-spectrum CBD oil is the best in class.

In addition, we do soil testing prior to every harvest - including testing for glyphosate - and use only organically-grown hemp - that means growing without the use of toxic chemical herbicides or pesticides. We use a solvent-free CO2 extraction method that ensures your CBD oil contains all of the good-for-you minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and, of course, CBD without any harmful residual solvents or potential contaminants.

The best CBD oils don’t stop at stoppering the bottle. Transparency is part of the deal for those brands that are pioneering what CBD can be. ISO-certified, 3rd party testing for the cannabinoid profile, terpene profile, residual solvents, herbicides and pesticides, heavy metals, and microbiological safety are all part of what makes a high-quality CBD oil. In addition, we do soil testing prior to every harvest - including testing for glyphosate - and use only organically-grown hemp - that means growing without the use of toxic chemical herbicides or pesticides. We use a solvent-free CO2 extraction method that ensures your CBD oil contains all of the good-for-you minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and, of course, CBD without any harmful residual solvents or potential contaminants.

The best CBD oils don’t stop at stoppering the bottle. Transparency is part of the deal for those brands that are pioneering what CBD can be. ISO-certified, 3rd party testing for the cannabinoid profile, terpene profile, residual solvents, herbicides and pesticides, heavy metals, and microbiological safety are all part of what makes a high-quality CBD oil.

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How long have humans used CBD?
  • How Long Have Humans Used CBD?

    People have been using cannabis for centuries thanks to its many properties that support overall wellness as well as the textile benefits of the hemp plant. Archaeologists have even discovered traces of the compounds being used dating back to at least 4000 BCE. While it’s unclear how exactly ancient civilizations utilized this potent plant, it is clear that it has been cultivated for thousands of years due to its many useful properties. It wasn’t until 1940 that CBD’s official origin story began - in a lab, of course.

  • How Long Have Humans Used CBD?

    But due to a dramatic shift in propaganda and legislation relating to the hemp plant, CBD and THC became taboo subjects for decades due to legislative decisions and programs that vilified this beautiful plant. Prohibitive laws prevented studies and research from being conducted on CBD and THC’s benefits until pretty recently.

  • How Long Have Humans Used CBD?

    It wasn’t until the 2018 Farm Bill that the opportunity for hemp-derived products like CBD became a more widely accepted alternative for supporting overall health and wellness. For those unfamiliar, the Farm Bill removed hemp as a Schedule 1 Controlled Substance, which legalized the regulated production of hemp, and allowed CBD and other products derived from hemp (legally defined as having 0.3% THC or less, by dry weight) to be sold to the public and to be sold across state lines.

How To Use CBD

Many people are under the notion that they have to smoke CBD. This isn’t the case at all. Of course, you can smoke it if you desire, but plenty of other methods offer accuracy and subtlety with how they are consumed. It all depends on your purpose for taking CBD in the first place.

  • Topicals

    Topicals

    Athletes might enjoy a topical rubbed into the skin externally.

  • Capsules

    Capsules

    People on a supplement regimen might prefer to incorporate a CBD capsule into their morning routine, which offers ease and accuracy.

  • Tincture

    Tincture

    Or perhaps you don’t enjoy swallowing capsules and want something that is fast-acting but doesn’t require smoking. In this case, our broad-spectrum CBD tinctures might be ideal.

    For tinctures: Squeeze the dropper to fill it with oil. Droppers typically only fill halfway, and this is considered a full serving.

Does CBD get you high?

Does CBD Get You High?

The short answer is no.

While it’s a misconception that CBD isn’t psychoactive, this isn’t entirely true. CBD is psychoactive, technically, but it isn’t intoxicating like THC is. Let us explain why. CBD does cross the blood-brain barrier. It impacts the central nervous system and may alter mood and perception for those looking for additional support for their wellness needs. But it doesn’t bind with the CB1 receptor the way THC does.

So while CBD is a psychoactive phytocannabinoid in the technical sense, it won’t get you high, impair you, or prevent you from going about your daily activities.

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